Saturday, March 14, 2009

Major KOM Expansion

The foundation stone for the new multi-purpose, 30,000 square metre ICT and business development facility on Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) will be laid 15th March by the Under Secretary for Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, HE Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb.

In addition to the foundation stone laying ceremony, HE Al Dheeb will also sign an MoU with HE Mohammed bin Nasser Al Rasbi, Under Secretary, Ministry of Defense and Vice Chairman, Ministry of Defence Pension Fund with regard investing in KOM’s new facility.

Since its launch in 2003, KOM has gone from strength to strength, attracting multinationals such as Microsoft, NCR, Huawei, Motorola and Hewlett Packard to take up residency. Hi-tech SMEs from the Middle East, Asia and Europe have also opened operations on KOM. In addition to this, the Park’s business incubator program, The Knowledge Mine, continues to thrive, now home to over 15 start-ups working in areas that include e-Security, web design, precision engineering and environmental services.

According to Mohammed Al Maskari, KOM’s Director General: “The new building will comprise of eight floors and take KOM’s existing office accommodation on from 22,000m2 to over 50,000m2. Externally, it will compliment the existing green glassed domed buildings on the Rusayl-based technology park. Upper floors will have superb panoramic views over the tech park and the striking surrounding countryside.“

The large development is the result of a partnership between KOM and the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund. As well as creating a centre for ICT excellence, the new building will also provide a base for firms working in areas such as the creative industries; education; and environmental technologies.

The foundation stone laying ceremony marks the start of the building’s construction. The project’s consultants are locally-based National Engineering Office and the contractor is Al Adrak Trading and Contracting LLC. The building is fully expected to be a landmark feature and will be equipped with the latest technology in broadband information and communication. The building is due for completion by summer 2010.